"As we embark upon the journey of another year of our Republic, it is time to take stock not only of our achievements but also of the challenges that lie ahead," said the Governor while addressing the 66th Republic Day parade after unfurling the National tri-colour at Secretariat Plaza here.

Expressing that Nagaland the 16th state of Indian Republic, is an equal partner in this great journey, he said peace is a pre-requisite for progress in any society.

He maintained that by and large, the law and order situation in the state remained peaceful.

"There were incidents of violence and tension along the inter-state border with Assam, particularly in Ralan area of Wokha district, but timely intervention by the district administration and police in the Disputed Area Belt and meetings between the Chief Ministers, Chief Secretaries and the Commissioners of the two States helped prevent further escalation of tension," he said.

The Governor said that in order to bring about lasting peace in the state, the ongoing talks between the Government of India and the Naga underground factions have to be broughtto an amicable settlement.

"Even as the peace talks continue, the civil society yearns for a peaceful and enabling environment for progress," he said.

The Governor asserted that the state government as facilitator will continue to pursue for an early solution to the Naga political problem to bring permanent peace in the state.

Maintaining that the Naga people mostly depend on agriculture, he said the productivity of food grains has increased from 700 kgs per hectare in 1963 to 2,267 kgs per hectare in 2013-14.